Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be misunderstood, Air Chief

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan on Saturday warned that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be misunderstood and any misadventure will be responded to immediately. 

Air Chief Marshal was addressing a ceremony at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad held in wake of the second anniversary of ‘Operation Swift Retort’. The event began with a flypast of the air force’s fighter planes.

He said that February 27 was a significant day not only for Pakistan Air Force but also for the whole of Pakistan. He said that on that day“PAF once again upheld its glorious legacy and deterred the aggressor who gravely miscalculated and challenged our sovereignty.”

The Air Chief further said that Pakistan had responded to the violation of Line of Control (LOC) by Indian forces in a manner that “made our nation proud”, adding that the country’s air force “proved equal to the Quaid’s vision of being second to none and established our supremacy in the air”.

“I appreciate all personnel of Pakistan Air Force for their professionalism, valor [and] commitment displayed in Operation Swift Retort.”

Moreover, he said that Pakistan is a responsible and peace-loving country and its efforts for international peace, especially in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and in UN peacekeeping missions were being acknowledged by the international community.

He added that one such manifestation of peace was seen by the world through the return of captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Vardhaman by Pakistan. 

“However, let me make it very clear that our desire for peace should not be misunderstood. In case of any misadventure, our response would be swift, resolute, and unwavering.”

Apart from that, he praised the air force for “remaining proactive in maintaining peace and deterring aggression despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic”. The force was committed to increasing its potential for the defense of the country, he added.

Above all, the Air chief showed support for the Kashmir people, saying, “it is time to bring an end to the atrocities and longest lockdown of more than 1.5 years”.